Iran Refuses Compromise as War Risk Grows

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 23, 2026

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The standoff between Iran and the United States has entered a new critical phase after Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, told Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir in Tehran that Iran would not compromise on what it considers its national rights. He also accused Washington of being an unreliable negotiating partner as regional mediation efforts try to end the war.

The current mediation push, led by Pakistan and supported by Qatar, is aimed at preventing a return to military strikes after weeks of war left the Strait of Hormuz closed to most shipping despite a fragile ceasefire, disrupting global energy markets. Reports say the talks are centered on a 14-point document proposed by Iran and messages exchanged between the two sides. Munir also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Despite Tehran’s hard line, both sides have pointed to limited progress. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been “some progress,” but that more work remained. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said differences had narrowed in recent days, while stressing that Tehran’s immediate focus is ending the war rather than moving directly into nuclear negotiations.

The main gaps remain highly sensitive. Washington insists Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, must hand over its highly enriched uranium and must keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Iran says its priorities are ending the war and lifting sanctions, while warning that it will defend its rights through both diplomacy and military means if attacks resume.

Qatar’s role has grown after it sent mediators to Tehran, a sign that talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz may have reached a decisive stage. Reports suggest the goal is a memorandum of understanding that would open the door to 30 to 60 days of broader talks, while delaying detailed discussions over the nuclear file.

The risk of renewed conflict remains real. Qalibaf warned that Iran had rebuilt military capabilities during the ceasefire and that any U.S. restart of the war would bring harsher consequences. Washington, meanwhile, continues to insist that keeping Hormuz open and curbing Iran’s dangerous nuclear capabilities are essential conditions for any settlement.